Hi Guys, have an ethical question for my fellow Lexus owning friends here: We bought a 2000 LX470 in September. It had 91K miles, and we paid about $20K, including $1,200 for a warranty to 120K miles. (We have owned several Lexus vehicles, and have routinely driven them in excess of 150K miles, and have faith!)
When we called to schedule the oil change at the dealership, (Stevinson Lexus in Lakewood, CO) they said that the SUV was due for the 90K mile service, and that it would cost roughly $2,000, over 10% of the value of the price paid for the vehicle.
Looking at the price of 2000 LX470's online, both sold and unsold, we didn't exactly steal the vehicle. Many are available now for under $17K, and have sold for $13-18K with fewer miles.
Before scheduling the appointment, I asked to speak with the sales rep. I asked the question:
"When selling a used vehicle, which had traveled beyond the manufacturer-recommended mileage for a scheduled service, would you normally disclose the fact that a major service was needed immediately?"
The salesperson called me back a week later, asking for more time to get an answer. Three weeks later, I called back to find out the salesman was, 'on leave.'
Today, I spoke with Dan Lather, the sales manager at Stevinson Lexus. He called to report, in a nutshell:
"Sorry, the vehicle wasn't certified, and therefore there was no responsibility on the part of the dealership to disclose that the service was in fact past due." He was kind and apologetic, and agreed that there should be some sharing of responsibility, but that there would not be.
I then asked, "If in my shoes, what would you think was fair?" To which, he replied, "I completely understand, but we are not going to be able to do anything for you."
"Thanks for not too much Dan!" and then I said goodbye an ended the call.
First, thanks for reading a long rant/vent. Second, is this 'the way it goes?'
Thanks, Adam
